Could an American cardinal truly ascend to the papacy, leading over 1.4 billion Roman Catholics worldwide? The answer arrived resoundingly on May 8, 2025, with the election of Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost as Pope Leo XIV, marking a historic moment for the Catholic Church.

The election of Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, has sent ripples of excitement and speculation throughout the global Catholic community. His selection during the 2025 conclave, following the passing of Pope Francis, ushers in a new era for the Church. The announcement, delivered by Cardinal Protodeacon Dominique Mamberti from the central loggia of St. Peter's Basilica, was met with cheers from over 50,000 people gathered in St. Peter's Square, eager to witness the emergence of the 267th Bishop of Rome.

Pope Leo XIV: Biographical and Professional Information
Full Name	Robert Francis Prevost
Papal Name	Leo XIV
Birth Date	September 14, 1955
Birth Place	Chicago, Illinois, USA
Nationality	American, Peruvian
Religious Order	Augustinian
Ordination to Priesthood	1982
Episcopal Ordination	Details not specified in provided text. Typically occurs several years before becoming Pope.
Bishop of Chiclayo, Peru	2015-2023
Cardinal	2023 (Appointed by Pope Francis)
Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops	2023 (Appointed by Pope Francis)
Election as Pope	May 8, 2025
Predecessor	Pope Francis
Inauguration Mass	May 18, 2025
Additional Information
First Pope from the United States. Also holds Peruvian citizenship due to his extensive missionary work in Peru. Prior to becoming Pope, served as an Augustinian priest and Bishop of Chiclayo.
Official Vatican Website
Vatican Website